Los Angeles Food, Events and Nightlife Blog

anniversary

There are always plenty fo reasons to visit Hungry Cat, but the location in Santa Monica has put a new focus on their wood-fired menu, thanks to their brand new wood-burning grill and rotisserie. The result is an amazing array of seafood and other menu items that take on a whole new dimension of flavor.

As much as I am skeptical of someÂ food trendsÂ – for instance, I don’t getÂ the mindless love for cupcakes while IÂ totally relate to the on-going baconÂ craze -Â there are some upshots that I can get behind. For instance, this fast-casual-and-healthy thing: I actually hope that it’s a pattern that turns out to beÂ longer lasting than a fad. After all, we can only hope it’s an indication thatÂ we as an audience are becoming moreÂ aware of eating in a healthful way – nothing but good can become of it, right?Â And when it’s presented in ways that taste delicious, it’s proof that healthful doesn’t have to be boring.

Anti-Oxidant Orchard Salad

I was recently introduced to Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop, which is currently in Beverly Hills and Century City andÂ serving clientele from boutiques, law offices, accounting & consulting firms alike on the east-of-Westside. They also serve wine and beer, which come complete with pairing suggestions. Talk about a delicious lunch or take-home salad. The head chef is from the Patina family, so you know they’re not kidding around when they call this chopshop “gourmet.”

The good news is, they’ve stuck around for 3 years and to celebrate their anniversary, they’re rolling out some discounts starting now through this Saturday, June 4th. You getÂ 10% off on your 1st visit, while working your way up in 5%-off increments to 30% off your in-store meal on their 5th visit (no more than 2 visits per day for discounts). And, on Saturday, you can also look forward to 30% off all meals at the Beverly Hills location. And about that beer and wine -Â imbibers can also enjoy 50% off beer and wine selections all-week-long, including an organic Alma Rosa Chardonnay (regularly $8/32), Talbot Kali Hart Pinot Noir ($9/34), and Lost Coast Great White Ale ($3.50).

My personal favorite is the Greek-esque “Zorra the Great” salad, which has a good amount of kick thanks to the peppercorns in the dressing. If you’re looking for something naturally sweet, try “The Antioxidant Orchard.” Feeling like a refreshing salad topped with coconut and other tropical flavors? Try the “Lemongrass Chicken” – probably my second-most favorite.Â

So if you’re near Beverly Hills or Century City, enjoy a salad, panini, sandwich and/or soup with a glass of beer or wine for lunch this week. Greenleaf’s menu is not only health-conscious but creatively and utterlyÂ delicious. Enjoy!

Six years ago, Valerie Gordon and Stan Wrightman, Jr. decided to found an artisanal confectionery. With the finest and natural ingredients comprising delicious chocolates, toffees, petit fours and even jams – the sophisticated palate is further complimented by Valerie Confections’ minimal and artful signature packaging. I’ve found that a great way to give a part of L.A. is to gift a box of Valerie’s toffees or petit fours (and keep one for yourself).Â It’s guaranteed to leave your giftees with a much better impression of the city than than they had, previously. Only if that diplomacy tip is your thing. Who needs them?

In celebration of their confectionery’s birthday, Valerie and Stan are doing a very special 50% off discount expressly on their very first product – 12-piece Debut Toffee Assortment. Just use code “HBVAL” upon checkout. This code offer is available only through Monday, May 31st. Shipping & handling are not included.

And if you happen to be local, stop by the boutique (on the border of Koreatown and Downtown). You’ll be treated to special birthday samples of those debut toffee flavors! Trust me – they all taste absolutely heavenly.